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For the Times Record News Richard Carter
Published 12:00 a.m. CT Oct. 26, 2018

The Second Annual Downtown Trick or Treat event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. in downtown Wichita Falls along with other Halloween activities locally and nearby to celebrate Halloween on October 31.(Photo: Richard Carter)

Once upon a time in the Wichita Falls of my youth, children would trick-or-treat on Oct. 31.

Trick-or-treating has changed quite a bit since the dark ages, but it’s still possible to trick or treat on Halloween night and even visit a haunted house or three.

The Second Annual Downtown Trick or Treat event will return from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to Haley Carnley event coordinator and barista at the Odd Duck.

“It will be different from 2017,” she said, when the downtown event included a scavenger hunt. “We want to keep it as simple as possible this year.” There will be no starting or stopping place, or a map, she said. “Our main goal for 2018 is to provide a safe and inviting environment for the community.”

Most of the businesses involved in the 2018 trick or treat will be on Ohio, Scott or Indiana streets, she said, from Sixth to 10th streets, the main core of downtown. “We had more than 50 businesses participate last year, and I am hoping most will return.”

Carnley estimated that over 1,000 people participated last year in the first 2017 trick or treat with parents, babies in strollers, kids and young teens. “I didn’t expect for it to be that successful.”

Without a map, it will be all about “coming downtown, walking, exploring, seeing all the new businesses and the older ones you love.” They are hoping that the event continues after this year, even is it remains as simple as this new one.

People are welcome to start as far north as Odd Duck (717 Seventh St.) or as far south as Picker’s Universe and the Wichita Falls Public Library. Most spaces will have people out front handing out candy. Some spaces like 9th Street Studios will come to the area and hand out candy as a popup location.

Businesses that have said they will take part include 8th Street Coffee House, The Holt, Gypsy Uncorked, the North Texas History Museum and Ganache.

“Everyone is welcome,” Carnley said. “It’s an after school-like kind of thing.”

There will also be a trick-or-treat at Sikes Senter Mall from 6 to 8 p.m. Halloween night. The event is free.

Haunted houses will include the Chamber of Horrors at the Boys & Girls Club of Wichita Falls on 1318 6th St. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Prices are $7 at door, $5 advance and $4 Boys & Girls Clubs members with card. For information about Chamber of Horrors, please contact (940) 322-2012.

The Haunted House of Carnage will be open from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in Randlette, Okla. on the corner of 5th St. and Ave. D. $15 a person with a hamburger and a hayride to the house. Contact Randy Green at (940) 235-6472 or randlettfire.com

Nightmare on Main Street and Dark Water Asylum run from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Halloween night at 1620 Main St. in Vernon, Texas. $12 each event or both for $18. See Nightmareonmainst.com for more information.